It appears that the decision on reopening parent category visa category will be announced by mid-2019. It was closed to clear a backlog in late 2016.
It was expected to be reopened by INZ in June last year, but it remains closed.
The current review is being conducted to determine whether the criteria and sponsorship requirements were fit for purpose while the category was temporarily closed.
Expected outcomes -
The parent category is most likely to open as Government has already delayed the decision. It was expected to be announced in mid 2018.
Some of the statements and the news indicate that INZ will make an announcement IF it's going to reopen the parent category which means there is no certainty about the decision.
There can be changes to the criteria and sponsorship requirements.
